Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 13 September 2024 12:03
Robertson Park and Johnstone Park Road tennis courts officially reopened in July following a £343,000 renovation which took place across three areas, managed by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), and funded by Renfrewshire Council, the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation.
Since the courts opened to the public more than 1,000 bookings have been made for the upgraded facilities with 1,247 hours of tennis played.
To showcase the courts and encourage young people to take advantage of the facilities on their doorstep, events were held at Robertson Park, Renfrew and Park Road Johnstone tennis courts, where young people from the local area were able to participate in professional tennis coaching sessions. This included 30 pupils from St James' Primary School in Renfrew and 30 pupils from Cochrane Castle and St David’s Primary Schools. The events were also attended by representatives from Renfrewshire Council, LTA and OneRen.
The renovations were part of the LTA’s Parks Tennis Project; the biggest ever transformation of park facilities across Britain, which has been used to transform 14 courts across the local area, providing a significant boost to sporting facilities.
The courts have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, new nets and a new gate system. This nationwide programme of investment is seeing thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.
Renfrewshire Council in partnership with OneRen and supported by the LTA will ensure free park tennis sessions are available on the courts, providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.
Councillor Michelle Campbell, Convener of Renfrewshire Council's Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “It’s fantastic to see local people across our communities take advantage of these excellent facilities on their doorstep. It’s been especially heartening to see the young people participating in today’s event get excited by the sport and I’m sure it will inspire many of them to come back and use the courts again.
“I hope the investment in the courts encourages more people to take up the sport and the fact that free tennis will be available as part of the programme will surely support this. I’d encourage anyone interested in giving it a go to pick up a racket, book a court and get involved.”
Scott Lloyd, LTA Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Renfrewshire officially re-open to the public, and in better shape than ever.
“Park tennis courts are vital for providing people with opportunities to pick up a racket, and we want as many people as possible, of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, to enjoy playing tennis and being active. Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”
Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland Chief Executive, said: “With tennis participation and membership in Scotland at record levels, it’s important that we continue to invest in facilities to grow capacity.
“Park facilities are key to ensuring tennis is accessible to all, so we are delighted that these park courts in Renfrewshire Council have opened following refurbishment.
“The appetite for tennis in Scotland has never been higher and these revamped courts, along with a number of other facilities being built and refurbished around the country, will help make sure more people are able to get access and play tennis across Scotland.”
Free court usage will be available on weekends from 10am-12pm and weekdays from 9am-4pm. Courts are chargeable from 4pm weekdays and 1pm weekends at £6.50 per hour.
All courts will be available to book via the LTA website or by visiting www.oneren.org/sport/tennis. New booking systems and gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability.
The Edinburgh Butter Company has announced the return of its ‘Scotland’s Best Croissant’ competition on Monday 13th October.
READ MOREitison has confirmed that GlasGLOW will return to the Botanic Gardens from 24th October – 2nd November for its eighth year and with its biggest show yet... GlasGLOW's Miles Better!
READ MOREPeople across Scotland invited to take part in national conversation about heritage.
READ MOREThe Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closes the drawbridge on its 75th anniversary Show, as tickets for next year go on sale.
READ MOREAn interactive game encouraging people of all ages to get active and explore their local surroundings is set to return to towns and villages across Renfrewshire this autumn.
READ MORESGS UK Retail has announced that Braehead Shopping Centre is going from strength to strength, headlining outstanding sales and footfall growth for the year to date.
READ MOREScottish shoppers will hardly believe it when they see it today as Primark finally relents on one of its biggest brand debates after 50 years.
READ MOREScotland's best loved family resort, Crieff Hydro, has unveiled details of a specially curated programme of events as it prepares to welcome guests over the festive period.
READ MOREThe shortlist for the Scots Language Awards 2025 has been unveiled, with figures from Scottish literature, theatre, education and business all in the running for awards at the annual ceremony.
READ MOREInnis & Gunn has claimed double gold on the global stage, winning best in Scotland for the second year running at the World Beer Awards.
READ MOREMore than 5,500 people have taken part in the Paisley 10k and 3k Fun Run, setting a new record for the event.
READ MOREFrom exciting encounters with Santa himself to hands-on workshops and joyful family moments, Dobbies is the destination for festive fun this Christmas!
READ MOREOne of the most-watched films on Netflix is heading to Vue next weekend for a special sing-along event – with tickets on sale now!
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is inspiring gardeners across Scotland this September with two free-to-attend gardening workshops, Little Seedlings Club and Grow How, suitable for all ages and abilities.
READ MOREStaff and regulars from The Abbey Inn in Paisley are lacing up their trainers once again to take part in Beatson Cancer Charity's annual Off the Beatson Track walking event!
READ MORELights, Pints, Action! Scotland's pubs go for gold at the hospitality industry's very own oscars.
READ MOREContemporary Ritual Theatre is preparing to make its Scotland debut as it presents SALT, a new form of ritual theatre by Beau Hopkins, devised to unite and transform audiences.
READ MOREStronger Together: Kellogg's pledges pound-for-pound match for Big Scottish Breakfast Fundraiser.
READ MORELet's get ready to rumble! The heavyweight champion of entertainment and leisure, XSite Braehead, invites the local community to its big wrestling event!
READ MOREA record-breaking number of runners have signed up for this year's Paisley 10k Road Race and Fun Run.
READ MOREThe biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MOREWith packed venues and 30 medal sessions across 50 sport sessions, it's shaping up to be one of the most electric weekends in Glasgow's sporting history!
READ MOREXSite Braehead is thrilled to announce that this year's Summer Fest was a resounding success, with thousands of visitors across both days!
READ MOREThe Scots Language Awards are now welcoming nominations for this year’s celebration of Scots.
READ MORERenfrew's Robertson Park was a sea of tartan on Saturday 19th July as Scotland's top pipers and drummers descended on the town for the Renfrew Pipe Band Competition.
READ MOREPopular Scottish actor Stephen Purdon, best known for his long-standing role as Bob O'Hara in BBC soap River City, is joining The Go Radio Breakfast Show.
READ MOREEilidh Wilson, 49, from Kilmacolm, is preparing to take part in Off the Beatson Track again on Sunday 24th August while continuing treatment for secondary breast cancer.
READ MOREThis October and November, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to its trio of enchanting autumn events that are lined up across the country, helping kick-start the season.
READ MOREThis award-winning exhibition welcomes visitors for an extraordinary journey through Ancient Egypt, exploring the myths and mysteries surrounding Pharaoh Tutankhamun.
READ MOREScone Palace isn't just a beautiful day out, it's one of Scotland's most iconic historic sites, steeped in royal tradition, political intrigue and centuries of national significance.
READ MORE